Take the Hit as a Gift

even if you feel like a punching bag these days. Research studies show that people with a positive attitude in life are happier and weather hard times better. When large "hits" strike, find the gift amid the turmoil. Ask yourself these questions: Where is the life lesson in this experience? What spiritual growth may I attain? What opportunity does this open for me? Answer these questions with positive verbiage. Avoid using no, can't, won't, never, etc... Your responses can serve as positive affirmations you repeat to yourself as you go through this difficult time. If you are lucky enough not to be going through a hard time right now, practice these questions on small "hits" (small unexpected and unwelcome events).
My small hit came last year when I went against my better judgement and got a really, really bad haircut at a beauty school. Granted, not the end of the world, but unwelcome and definitely unexpected. I learned I was way too attached to my hair, I was vain and my ego needed a good ass-kicking. It presented me the opportunity to look within and clean house, so to speak. And yes, my hair grew back. It only took 7 months. I told you it was a bad haircut.

Go Ahead, Infect Others

with your smile.
An old sales tactic says to smile into a mirror and then pick up the phone to make that cold call. Studies showed that even the eliciting of a fake smile released positive vibes onto the caller. After a few calls, I didn't have to fake it anymore.
Giving to others needn't always involve volunteering, donating money or gifts. It can be as simple as smiling at a stranger or holding the door open for someone. Genuinely asking them how their day is, and listening to their response.
When economic times are tough, we all need more understanding and kindness. Kindness begets kindness, cruelty begets cruelty. Try this over the next week, at least once a day with someone you encounter out in your world. Notice their response, but don't attach judgement to it. Give, even if you don't receive back. But trust me, you will be surprised at the positive effect you have. If you make someone's day better, do you think that maybe they will make someone else's day better, and so on?
We affect people every day, whether we are aware of it or not. Our interactions with the world matter, at all levels. Our actions count as much as our inactions. As human beings, we need to connect. Why not make that connection a positive charge instead of a negative one? So, go ahead, pass on that infectious smile and hope it spreads!

Go Fly a Kite!

As I tug on the string determined to conquer the crosswinds whipping our rainbow striped kite, my 7-year old nephew J. screams out "this is so much fun, Aunt Marie!!". Now I admit I am no master kite flyer, but J. thinks I rule. We stood out there one brisk afternoon last week (rare in Phoenix) happily flying a kite. Laughing when it torpedoed down, seemingly straight for us, and smiling from ear to ear as we watched our kite play in the wind. It seemed more like a dance with nature, a game of cosmic tug-of-war.

I had a blast flying this long-tailed kite, feeling like a kid without a care in the world, reveling in the simplicity of pure contentment (santosha). I wondered what thoughts this evoked in others who saw our high-flying kite. What immediately comes to your mind when catching sight of a kite jostling in the wind? Finding contentment or joy needn't be expensive, complicated or full of attachments. We found it in a $5 kite and a good breeze!

Turn Off the Bad News Channel

I am on a lifelong search. Sometimes I find this elusive elixir I search for, only to lose it once more. We all need it, yearn for it, curse at it when it goes away, but many of us can't seem to hold on it. Last week, once again, this lifesaving drug eluded me. Determined to re-capture it, I tried a new tactic. I turned off the 10PM news. And that night, I slept like a baby. Sleep, oh wonderful sleep! Overstimulating my brain with shootings, drug arrests, economic meltdowns & layoffs was just not conducive to getting my zzzzz's. Go figure. I don't consider myself a news junkie, but I like staying connected. Apparently, my brain needs to disconnect to recharge. A side benefit, apart from looking more rested, being less irritable and packing more energy, is I am finally catching up on some reading. It means I am dusting off that Yoga Journal from 2006 and reading it cover to cover. Not to mention the eternal stacks of half read books on my night table (I do rotate them, it makes them feel special).

Not getting enough sleep ages our biological clock, depletes our immune system and causes more stress-related symptoms. Try turning off the TV one hour before going to bed this week, or in my case, retreating to the bedroom and closing the door. My husband can watch the Suns game as long as he wants, I'm learning about that perfect backbend!